This project is one of 19 four year PhD Studentships funded by Medical Research Scotland (https://www.medicalresearchscotland.org.uk) to be delivered jointly by the named University and External Partner Organisation (EPO). The Studentship will provide the first-class academic and additional training provided by the EPO needed to equip the successful candidate for a science career in an increasingly competitive market.
"Imaging biomarkers of T cell function to accelerate immunotherapies for pancreatic cancer" to be delivered by the University of Edinburgh [Supervisors: Professor Marc Vendrell and Dr Alan Serrels (both Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Edinburgh) and Concept Life Sciences (integrated Discovery and Development Services) Limited (https://www.conceptlifesciences.com/) [External Partner Organisation supervisor: Dr Hayley Gooding].
Pancreatic cancer is a extremely damaging disease, with only a few patients being able to survive over 5 years and with not effective therapies for its treatment. One of the most promising treatments for pancreatic cancer involve the use of immunotherapies, where T cells in the body of the patient are reinvigorated to kill tumour cells. It is currently difficult to determine what immunotherapies are optimal for every patient because there are not many technologies that can directly measure how active T cells are in tumours. This research project will produce new chemical probes to directly monitor the activity of immune cells in tumour biopsies from pancreatic cancer patients and rapidly assess the efficacy of immunotherapies. This new technology will help to identify the best therapy for every patient and to accelerate bench-to-bedside translation for optimal therapy regimes with enhanced efficacy and reduced toxic side effects. New therapies will have the potential to accelerate translation to clinical trials in pancreatic cancer patients, leading to future studies to stratify patients and identify those who could benefit from immunotherapy and enhance personalised medicine. This project draws on the strengths of a team of diverse scientists, including experts in organic chemistry, molecular imaging, cancer biology and immunology. During the course of the project, the researcher will work with biologists, immunologists and chemists and will establish collaborations to develop as an interdisciplinary researcher. This project will create a whole range of positive outcomes for the student, including dissemination of results to the scientific community, outreach activities and network opportunities with industry partners.
ENQUIRIES:
Enquiries should be sent by email to Professor Marc Vendrell:
[Email Address Removed]
APPLICATIONS:
Applicants must have obtained, or expect to obtain, a first (preferred) or 2.1 UK honours degree, or equivalent for degrees obtained outside the UK, in chemistry and have research experience in chemical biology.
Applicants should send a CV, the contact details of 2 or 3 referees (including email addresses) and a covering letter (no longer than 1 page), describing your previous research experience and explaining your reasons for applying for this particular project, by email to Professor Marc Vendrell:
[Email Address Removed]
Please note, your application may be shared with the funders of this PhD Studentship, Medical Research Scotland and Concept Life Sciences (integrated Discovery and Development Services) Limited.
Interviews are expected to take place 3-4 weeks after the closing date for applications. In light of the current coronavirus situation, interviews may be conducted by video conference.
It is anticipated that the PhD Studentship will start 1 October 2021.
Continue with Facebook
